First lady Michelle Obama with her dog Bo in her lap in December. / Mark Wilson Getty Images

by Maria Puente, USA TODAY

by Maria Puente, USA TODAY

Can't get any better than this: You're touring the White House the day after a presidential inauguration and suddenly you find yourself in the Blue Room shaking hands with POTUS, FLOTUS and BOTUS - that's Bo Obama, the first family's adorable dog.

So it was today for a dozens of tourists taking a look-see around the president's house. They were pulled aside in the Blue Room, site of the official swearing-in on Sunday, to meet the current tenants, President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Bo, the cuddly black-and-white Portuguese water dog who sometimes seems even more popular than his presidential owners.

Mrs. O tweeted out her glee at the surprise plan minutes before at her new Twitter account, @FLOTUS:

Actually, she has done this before, but usually just with Bo, who never fails to delight his many fans of all ages. As in the past, today's lucky tourists shook hands and also made sure to pet the well-behaved Bo. Judging from the live stream from the White House, the tourists appeared to be equal parts surprised and thrilled, and Bo seemed to be enjoying himself, too.

The Obamas looked fresh despite Monday's long day of celebrating his second inauguration with the rituals of democracy. This morning they marked the end of the inaugural weekend at a National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral in Washington.

Mrs. Obama, who wore a creamy faintly patterned coat and dress for the service, had taken off the coat to greet the tourists. Her hair, newly cut, was pulled back and only a few of her new bangs fell across her forehead.